David Ralph Hamel

Lempster, NH -  David Ralph Hamel, 75, passed away on February 18th, 2017, surrounded by his loving family in his home.
 

Born on  October 19th, 1941, David grew up on a farm in Sunapee and developed a love for tractors that stayed with him his whole life. He enjoyed driving a truck and did so for many years with Wilcox Lumber. His CB was "Gentle Ben" and the name could be found on all his trucks, even when he became a mechanic and owned East Lempster Garage. With a background of truck driving and mechanical work, it was no wonder when Dave found himself happily working for NH DOT.

Dave proudly served his country from 1964 to 1966 in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He liked camping, jalopy racing (to be honest, he really enjoyed racing anything he could), being a part of the Antique Tractors Club, and owning stock cars, including a Model A. While Dave may have looked like a tough mechanic, nothing could make him melt quite like his dachshund, Hooter, and just being alongside his family.  

If driving down Rt. 10, don’t forget to honk and wave for Ol' Dave, for wherever he may be now, he's surely waving right back 'atcha.

 David is survived by his son Richard Hamel and his wife Tammy of Sunapee, along with their daughters, Nicole and Brittany, and great-grandchild, Nathan David Hamel; daughter, Cindy Smith and her husband Loren of Charlestown, son Joshua Hamel and his wife Tracy, son Michael, daughter Angela; along with daughters Emmy and Maggie Smith, and son, David Hamel, Jr. and his girlfriend, Candy Reed of Lempster; his sisters, Ruth Russell of NH, Norma Bloom of VT, and Shirley Kidney of ME; and many, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

 David was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Joseph Hamel and Priscilla May (Jones) Hamel; two wives, Patricia Locke and Deborah Addams; his sister, Charlotte Buxton; and his brother, Jerry Hamel.

 There will be a graveside service and celebration of life in the spring with details published closer to the service date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in David's name may be made to the Veteran's Count Association at Easter Seals NH, Attn: Veterans Count, 555 Auburn Street, Manchester, NH 03103.  Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 Service Information